On September 30, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that aims to protect teenagers from sexual solicitation. The bill, also known as AB 338, makes it a crime for an adult to solicit a minor for sexual activity online, regardless of whether the minor engages in the activity or not.
This landmark legislation comes at a crucial time as cases of online sexual exploitation of minors have been on the rise, especially during the pandemic when children have been spending more time online. According to a report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there was a 97% increase in online enticement of children for sexual purposes from 2019 to 2020.
The bill was first introduced by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein in February 2021 and was co-authored by Senators Scott Wiener and Steven Bradford. It received bipartisan support and passed unanimously in both the Assembly and the Senate.
Governor Newsom, who has been a vocal advocate for protecting children from online exploitation, stated, “This legislation is an important step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. We must do everything in our power to protect them from being targeted and exploited online.”
Under the new law, any adult who knowingly solicits a minor for sexual activity through electronic communication, including social media, will face felony charges. The penalties include up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This law applies to both in-state and out-of-state offenders, making it an effective tool in combating online sexual exploitation of minors.
Additionally, AB 338 also requires online platforms to report any instances of suspected child sexual abuse material to law enforcement within 24 hours. This will help law enforcement agencies to take swift action and rescue the child from further harm.
This law is a significant step towards protecting our children and holding offenders accountable for their actions. It sends a clear message that the state of California takes the safety and well-being of its children seriously and will not tolerate any form of exploitation.
Assemblymember Maienschein, who has been a long-time advocate for children’s rights, said, “This law will help protect our children from online predators and give them the necessary tools to stay safe online. I am grateful to Governor Newsom and my colleagues in the Legislature for their support in passing this critical legislation.”
Moreover, this law also provides resources for education and prevention programs to help children and parents understand the dangers of online solicitation and how to stay safe online. It also mandates that the California Department of Education develop age-appropriate curriculum for students on internet safety and cyberbullying.
In a world where children are increasingly connected to the internet, it is essential to equip them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely. With AB 338, California is taking a proactive approach to protect its children and prevent them from becoming victims of online exploitation.
The passing of this bill is a testament to the power of collaboration and bipartisan efforts in creating meaningful change. It shows that protecting our children is a priority for all Californians, regardless of political affiliation.
In conclusion, California’s new law, AB 338, is a significant step towards safeguarding our children from online predators. It sends a strong message that the state is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its young residents. This law serves as a model for other states to follow in their efforts to protect children from online exploitation. We must continue to work together to create a safer online environment for our children, and with AB 338, California has taken a crucial step in the right direction.
